The term “Mother/Daughter” often refers to a special housing arrangement.
But in downtown Morristown, it also applies to a business that the owners think is pretty special, too.
Connie and Christyn Hagelin officially opened their Boutique 161 on Friday. It’s the newest attraction at South and Elm streets, a fast-growing intersection that recently added Just Jersey, along with new jewelry and web design shops. The Swiss Chalet bakery led the way with its 2013 expansion.
For the last three years, the Hagelins operated Top This. It had the same focus on trendy-yet-affordable women’s apparel, but floor space was limited and the shop was tucked away in a parking lot behind South Street.
One day this fall, Christyn was walking past 161 South St., a highly visible storefront with giant semi-circular windows, and noticed that the tenant, a mutual fund company, had left.
“I called my mom and said we’ve got to get on this!” Christyn said.
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Determined to open before Christmas, they spent a frenzied month whipping the 3,400-square-foot space into shape, with help from local architect John Lyons. When upstairs renovations are completed, the Hagelins envision hosting private shopping parties and other V.I.P. events* on the second floor.
The most exciting part for them, however, appears to be their ongoing partnership.
“It’s like not working. The best part of the job is being with her every day,” Connie said of her daughter.
“I love it,” Christyn echoed. “It’s just nice to spend time together. She definitely knows what she’s doing. She’s taught me all she knows.”
Which seems only natural. Connie studied to become a teacher … and then veered into retail, working her way up from the sales floor at the former Bamberger’s in Livingston to vice president and manager of the 300,000-square-foot store.
The Morris Township resident also kept her hand in education, chairing the Morris Educational Foundation during a 10-year tenure on its volunteer board.
Christyn, meanwhile, pursued a criminal justice degree at Rutgers. Still, her mom’s dream of opening a home furnishing shop intrigued her — with one catch.
“I was more interested in clothing and accessories,” said the Morristown High School graduate (Class of ’02).
Now they criss-cross the country in search of quality brands not sold in department stores, for women of all ages.
“Customers will find a wide variety of styles and prices, and lots of good gifts. We’re definitely more affordable than most boutiques… there’s a little something for everybody,” Christyn said.
Morristown First Lady Mary Dougherty and members of her Morristown Women in Business organization stopped by for some browsing on Friday, as did Councilwoman Alison Deeb.
A few years ago, the site was home to a coffee shop called Camille’s. Before that, it was an antiques shop. (Your correspondent bought a desk there.)
Boutique 161 had a “soft launch” on Dec. 12, 2014. Connie said her high expectations have been surpassed so far.
“This space was waiting for us,” she said. “It’s just perfect for us.”
And that’s perfect for people seeking another reason to shop local, Mayor Tim Dougherty said at the ribbon-cutting.
“South and Elm is the place to be,” the Mayor said.
*We’re pretty sure the boutique’s V.I.P. level already is booked for a bridal shower. In October 2015, Christyn is marrying Morristown Police Officer Adam Khoudja.
